Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

Last Updated On Mar 11, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

5 Min Read

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina? RegisteredNursing.org has done the research for you. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and affordability. Start advancing your nursing career today with a program that suits your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Western Carolina University's online RN to BSN program empowers registered nurses to elevate their healthcare careers in just 4 semesters. Designed for working professionals, this comprehensive program enhances nursing knowledge, leadership skills, and prepares students for advanced graduate studies. With reduced tuition through NC Promise and 100% online coursework, nurses can seamlessly balance work and education. Admission requires a current nursing license, 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite credits, making it an accessible pathway to professional growth.

100% Online Program
4 Semester Completion
Reduced Tuition $500/Semester
2.5 GPA Minimum Requirement
30 Total Credit Hours
Part-Time Flexible Schedule
Prepare for Graduate Study
Enhance Leadership Skills
Admission Twice Yearly

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC - Public 4-Year - wssu.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Winston-Salem State University's RN to BSN online program offers registered nurses a fast, flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. Ranked #1 online RN to BSN program and #1 historically black nursing school, the program can be completed in as little as three semesters. Students benefit from a curriculum integrating health equity and social justice, preparing them for leadership roles. The affordable program provides innovative learning with virtual hospital environments and experienced faculty, enabling graduates to pursue higher-paying nursing positions with a competitive edge.

100% Online Flexible Program
#2 Most Affordable RN to BSN
Complete in 3-5 Semesters
100% Job Placement within 6 Months
CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
Focuses on Health Equity
State-of-the-Art Virtual Learning
Experienced Nursing Faculty

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC - Public 4-Year - uncfsu.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fayetteville State University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. This degree completion program enhances professional opportunities by expanding clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and critical thinking abilities. Nurses can complete upper-division courses online while maintaining employment, with a typical program duration of 2.5 semesters full-time. The curriculum covers essential areas like health assessment, evidence-based practices, and community health, preparing nurses for broader professional roles.

Online degree completion program
2.5 semesters full-time
Active RN license required
Expands nursing career opportunities
No time limit on transfer courses
Science-based nursing curriculum
Community health focus

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Charlotte's online RN-to-BSN Completion Program offers registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas a flexible pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Designed for working professionals, the program requires no campus visits and can be completed entirely online. Nurses can advance their careers and expand their clinical knowledge through a comprehensive curriculum covering professional nursing concepts, health assessment, clinical judgment, and community health nursing.

100% Online Program
31 Total Nursing Credit Hours
No Campus Visits Required
Flexible for Working Nurses
39 Prior Learning Credits
3-Semester Completion Plan
Covers Professional Nursing Skills

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC - Public 4-Year - uncw.edu

Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's RN to BSN online program provides registered nurses with a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for working professionals, this CCNE-accredited program can be completed in as few as 12 months, with a total tuition of $6,334.20 for in-state students. Applicants need an associate's degree in nursing, a current unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 2.4 GPA. The curriculum covers critical areas like healthcare policy, community health, leadership, and research, preparing nurses for diverse roles in healthcare and positioning them for career advancement.

Online program format
12-month completion possible
Total tuition $6,334.20
CCNE accredited program
30 credit hours required
Multiple nursing career paths
Minimum 2.4 GPA required
Current RN license needed
Flexible course schedule

Fast & Affordable Program Options

If you’re looking for a way to advance in the nursing field, going back to school is a great option. RN to BSN programs are fast-tracked bridge programs designed for nurses who are already licensed and have a few years of experience. Where you’d normally need to invest in several years of schooling when enrolled in a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program can usually be completed much faster, saving you both time and money.

Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

By design, RN to BSN programs are meant to be fast-tracked options, still, there are some that are faster than others. In most cases, you can expect your BSN programs to take less than two years to complete, but you can find some that can be completed in an even much shorter amount of time. Here are a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in North Carolina.

School	Degree Name	Length
University of North Carolina Wilmington	Online RN to BSN	1 Year
Durham Technical College	RN to BSN	Less than 1 year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes! These programs are sometimes hard to find but students based in North Carolina can take advantage of the incredibly timely RN to BSN program offered by Durham Technical College which can be completed in less than a year (possibly in six months). Regardless of if you decide to choose this program, you can be sure that most schools in North Carolina offer very fast RN to BSN programs that can be completed in as little as a year.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Another important factor for many nursing students in North Carolina is affordability. Fortunately, North Carolina hosts some of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in the country. Keep in mind, the amount you will end up paying for your education will be based on many factors including residency, books, and cost of living in the area where your school is based. Here are a few of the most affordable options for RN to BSN programs in North Carolina:

School

Degree Name

Tuition Cost

Fayetteville State University

Online RN to BSN

$41.67 per credit (Resident)

$208.34 per credit (Non-Resident)

University of North Carolina Pembroke

Online RN to BSN

$1,000 per year (Resident)

$5,000 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

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Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Having already run the gamut of admissions processes in order to enter their chosen Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and later apply for jobs, many RNs are already familiar with the criteria that universities require in order to be admitted to an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ‘BSN’ program. While requirements do vary, you’ll likely encounter the following admissions requirements when applying to complete your accredited BSN degree:

Complete nursing application
All pre-requisites must have a “C” grade or better
Provide evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
Provide evidence of “satisfactory” feedback on health screenings
Provide up-to-date immunization records
Submit to a criminal background check and drug screening check
Submit an original typed personal statement
Attend an interview with faculty and admissions staff

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

RN to BSN programming is specifically created by experienced faculty after listening to the feedback given by nurses and healthcare administration. Often the courses build sequentially, creating tight communities of students that expand the personal and professional network of nurses in the state. Universities such as East Carolina University offer such courses as the following to ensure that gaps in knowledge, skills, and experience are filled before degree completion.